FAQs
General FAQs
What does your company do?
We provide customs clearance services across the UK, Ireland, and Europe. As a one-stop shop for all transport needs, we specialize in freight forwarding. We’ve recently launched a new division, Allied CBAM, to further enhance our service offering. View our about us page.
When was the company founded?
Our business was established in 2017.
Where are you located?
Our head office is in Armagh, Northern Ireland, and we operate across the UK, Ireland, Europe, and India.
What industries do you serve?
We work with a wide range of industries—from private individuals to manufacturers, FMCG, transportation, healthcare, and many more.
What are your company values?
Our values are high performance, people, trust, efficiency, and compliance. Customers are at the heart of everything we do, and we pride ourselves on strong relationships with both clients and employees.
How can I get in touch?
Email us at info@allied-group.co.uk. Please include your name and phone number, and one of our sales team will contact you.
Freight FAQs
What is freight forwarding and how does it work?
Freight forwarding is the process of coordinating the shipment of goods from one location to another using various transportation methods such as air, sea, or road. As freight forwarders, we handle documentation, customs clearance, carrier coordination, and ensure your shipment moves efficiently from origin to destination.
What types of cargo do you handle?
We manage a wide range of cargo, including general goods, perishable items, hazardous materials, oversized shipments, and project cargo. Our team ensures each shipment complies with international regulations and is handled with the appropriate care.
Do you offer door-to-door shipping services?
Yes. We provide complete door-to-door solutions, which include pickup, customs clearance, and final delivery to the destination. This service helps streamline the shipping process for our customers.
How long does international freight shipping take?
Transit time depends on the shipping mode (air, sea, or land), the destination, and customs clearance procedures. Air freight typically takes a few days, while sea freight may take several weeks. Contact us with your route details for an accurate estimate.
Can you help with customs documentation and clearance?
Absolutely. We handle all documentation required for exports and imports, including bills of lading, commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates, UKIMS application, Duty Waiver, and Windsor Framework compliance. Our team ensures your shipment complies with customs regulations to avoid delays or penalties.
What is the difference between full loads, part loads, and groupage?
Full Loads (FTL): Your shipment occupies an entire truck or container. Ideal for large, time-sensitive, or high-volume cargo.
Part Loads (LTL): Your cargo doesn’t fill an entire vehicle, but you don’t want it mixed with other goods. Suitable for medium-sized shipments.
Groupage: Your shipment is consolidated with cargo from other customers. This is the most cost-effective option for smaller loads.
Customs FAQs
What are incoterms and why are they needed?
Incoterms are a set of internationally recognised rules that define the responsibilities of the buyer and the seller. Incoterms specify who is responsible for liabilities such as insurance, shipping costs and customs duties. Incoterms are decided between the two parties and are ensure a smoother transaction.
What is an EORI and why do I need one?
An Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number is a unique number assigned to businesses involved in importing and exporting goods. An EORI number is mandatory for customs declarations and ensures that businesses are compliant with customs regulations. Not having an EORI number prior to importing or exporting can lead to delays which can be disruptive and costly.
How do I pay for duty and VAT?
There are a few options to pay duty and VAT liabilities that may occur. To use postponed VAT, you must ensure that your EORI is set up for PVA. Alternatively, you can set up a cash account to pay any VAT or Duty upfront. You can also use a duty deferment account (DAN account in UK or TAN account in ROI) to place any duty liabilities on your account; this money will be collected the following month. Don’t worry if you aren’t set up to pay duty or VAT liabilities we can organise payment for you for a small admin fee.
I am importing controlled goods, what paperwork do I need?
To move controlled goods such as live animals, animal products, high risk food and feed and specific plant products you will need to submit a Ched via Traces or IPAFFS. To complete a Ched, you will need to provide additional paperwork along with the usual commercial invoice and packing list. You will need to provide a Health Certificate (Export Health Certificate or Phytosanitary Certificate) which is issued by the competent authority in the exporting country. CHEDs must be submitted at least 24 hours before arrival at the border to allow authorities to prepare for inspections Late or incorrect submissions can delay clearance.
How long will it take Allied Customs to complete my customs paperwork?
We have an experienced team of customs agents and are open from 8am to 10pm 7 days a week. We pride ourselves on our quick turnaround times and aim to have your customs paperwork back to you within 2 hours.
CBAM FAQs
Why is the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism being put in place?
The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is beingintroduced to stop companies from moving production to countries with weaker climate rules (carbon leakage). It ensures imported goods pay a carbon cost similar to EU/UK products, protecting the internal markets of both territories. This helps keep the EU and UK’s climate goals on track. The Carbon footprint of the raw materials need to be reported on import.
Which sectors does the CBAM Regulation apply?
The CBAM Regulation currently applies to sectors with high carbon intensity and a high risk of carbon leakage, including:
- Iron & Steel
- Cement
- Aluminium
- Fertilisers
- Electricity
- Hydrogen
These are the initial sectors covered, with potential for more to be added over time.
Who is responsible for, and how are the carbon emissions reported?
The EU importer (or their Authorised BAM Declarant) is legally responsible for reporting the embedded carbon emissions of the goods they import into the EU.
They may collect data from non-EU manufacturers, but the obligation sits with the EU importer, not the producer.
Emissions are reported through the EU CBAM Transitional Registry (and later the CBAM Portal).
Importers must submit:
• Quarterly CBAM Reports (during the transitional phase)
• From 2026: Annual BAM Declarations, including verified emissions
What is an authorised BAM declarant?
An Authorised BAM Declarant is an EU approved person or company responsible for importing
BAM goods into the EU and handling all BAM obligations. They report the embedded emissions, buy and surrender BAM certificates, and submit the annual BAM declaration. Usually this is the EU importer or their appointed representative.
What are the risks of not reporting BAM emissions?
Not reporting CBAM emissions can lead to heavy financial penalties, import delays or blocks of goods entering the EU, loss of Authorised CBAM Declarant status, higher costs due to default emissions, and serious legal or reputational damage.
